Worthing man's shock at cancer diagnosis

At 47, John Palfrey was at the younger end of the spectrum of men getting the disease.

He said that after reading information booklets, he "felt like my life was over", but internet research helped him find pioneering treatment.

Now aged 50, John, of Bridge Road, has had the IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) which it is hoped will keep his cancer at bay, and he is now preparing for a six-month volunteering trip to Cambodia.

Diagnosis

John was diagnosed in summer, 2006.

He said: "Through experience, I knew that if there were two people in the office, it was likely you had cancer.

"I started off with just the consultant, so I thought I was going to be OK, but then somebody else knocked and came in.

"They then said I had prostate cancer and we were just shellshocked."

John said it was suggested he had his prostate removed, but he decided it was not the option for him.

Difficultly

His wife Ros, 49, said: "Prostate cancer is difficult for men to talk about because it affects their potency, their prowess and, ultimately, their manhood.

"Surgery to remove the prostate doesn't necessarily, but can finish it (your sex life) off forever.

"For someone of John's age, it was far too drastic."

John said he struggled in the weeks after his diagnosis and said he felt he would have benefited from going to a support group and having other men to talk to.

Encouragement

In light of that, he has become quite vocal about the disease and said he was always encouraging men of his age to get tested for prostate cancer.

Later this year, keen traveller John will leave to work in an orphanage in Cambodia.

He said he had always wanted to do voluntary work.

In this country, he works as a specialist travel agent, planning high-end trips and itineraries for Amex customers.

New challenges

He will use his skills to raise the profile of the Cambodian orphanage, to encourage "responsible tourism" to the facility.

He said he would miss his wife and three children while he was there, but was looking forward to the challenge.

Anyone concerned they might have prostate cancer should book an appointment with their GP.

More information can also be found at www.prostate-cancer.org.uk

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